Srinagar, September 14:
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said all assistance will be provided to the Jammu & Kashmir Government to tackle any possible epidemic outbreak in the aftermath of the devastating floods.

“Our teams of experts are ready...over 50 lakh chlorine tablets have already been dispatched,” said Vardhan, after a meeting to review relief measures in Srinagar.

The minister also took stock of essential medicines and other healthcare facilities being provided to the needy. He told authorities to press more medical teams in flood-affected areas.

“Stagnant water is a major challenge. Right now, it’s important to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases. Authorities must inform people about water purification methods and vaccines available to control diseases,” said Vardhan.

“Diarrhoea and gastroenteritis can be treated very easily. Measles is an another threat. The state government must go ahead with inoculations against measles,” he said.

The Health Minister said the state government has been told to prepare a list of its requirements to battle the crisis.

“Our teams are ready in Delhi. As soon as we get to know about their requirement, we’ll start helping them. The focus is on strengthening the medical manpower in the state,” said Vardhan.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was also present at the meeting, sought Central assistance to restore the health infrastructure affected due to floods and carry out an extensive measles vaccination programme for vulnerable age group of 0 to 15 years.

The Chief Minister said more than 50 lakh chlorine tablets have been received by the state and mobile purification plants were being used to provide safe drinking water to the flood-affected people.